Duration: 5 months (simultaneously with 3 other uni subjects)
Team: me and 3 fellow students
My contribution: Concept, Website, App, Illustrations.
During our sustainable design course research we uncovered that diaper waste is an immense problem. We set out to find a more sustainable solution, without the hassle. Disclaimer: this project was restricted to focus on the concept, not the presentation, so the sketches and mockups are at a primitive state.
The problem scenario:
Cloth diapers are better for the environment and wallet, but households with children already have enough clothes to wash
Our solution:
A washing service for cloth diapers!
Choose how many diapers you need per bag, pick up a new clean diaper pack at your nearest post box (often placed outside grocery stores in Norway). Drop off the bag of used diapers when you pick up your new batch of fresh ones.
First time using the service through the app. The service rents post boxes from the mail service, which opens through bluetooth
We created three packs designed for different age groups, with tailored sizes and number of diapers.
The different packs of diaper sizes, only for reference - every baby is different
The user cycle from pickup at post-boxes to drop-off at designated containers next to the post-boxes.
The customer cycle - switching out used diapers with freshly washed ones
To manage users subscription and guides on finding pickup/drop-off stations, we designed an app. It also functions as a bluetooth key to unlock the boxes. Simultaneously, the app tracks the number of pick-ups, and displays the reduction in costs and carbon footprint compared to using regular disposable diapers.
It is easy to find the different containers, change bags and get motivated by the environmental achievement in the statistics
To inform potential users on our service we created some marketing strategies such as instagram ads and brochures placed in strategic locations, such as hospital baby wards or pharmacies. We also created a solid brand identity to place on our stations, for visual nudging and sparking interest. We also recognised that the best marketing is word of mouth, and aspired our design to focus on collaboration with customers for improvements of the service.
During the process we discarded the idea of utilising QR-codes to open the pick-up post boxes, due to the complexity versus a simple automatic bluetooth function.
This subject taught me how to think in ways of service design, instead of creating a new product that demands more of the users. By utilising what already exists, in this case - cloth diapers, and creating a system that transforms the product from "too much work" to hassle free, we not only support other designers and producers, but also create more jobs in the market. This project would open up transportation, logistic and call centre jobs, all the while giving laundries a more consistent income. This is great for society and great for the planet as well.
